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Roosters can go far in NRL says SBW

Ian McCullough

Sonny Bill Williams believes his Sydney Roosters side have the ability to help him claim a third winners' medal in as many years.

The dual international helped the All Blacks win a first Rugby World Cup since 1987 in 2011 then was part of a Chiefs team that claimed a first Super Rugby Crown last year.

His high-profile arrival at the Roosters got off to a slow start with defeat to South Sydney in round one, but victory against Parramatta on Monday would be a third in succession for Trent Robinson's side.

Williams's form has improved with each game since his return to the NRL and he's been impressed by his new teammates.

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"There's some awesome talent here," Williams said.

"There's some really good young fellas, it makes me feel old at times, but keeps me young as well watching them.

"It's awesome to see the drive they have.

"It's similar to how it was with the Chiefs. Everyone was striving for success and made sacrifices off the field, and I am loving being a part of it and I think we can go well this year."

The Roosters face a Parramatta side reeling from two straight losses at Allianz Stadium.

However, Ricky Stuart's side will be boosted by co-captain Jarryd Hayne extending his contract with the club until the end of 2015.

Stuart was left frustrated by the manner in which his side switched off in the second half of the 31-18 loss to the Wests Tigers, but insists they're heading in the right direction.

"We have a long way to go to get to where we want to be, but the boys are working hard and their attitudes have been first class," he said.

Parramatta will be unable to call on experienced centre Willie Tonga for up to three months after the Queensland representative underwent back surgery on Friday.

But the former NSW coach has been impressed with Jacob Loko's performances in the Eels' back-line.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene during the 2011 season before rupturing his cruciate ligaments for a second time against Brisbane.

"Jacob's done well, it's always hard for a young player to come back from serious injury," Stuart told AAP.

"We had him as part of the emerging Blues squad in 2011.

"He is a great talent and a good kid. But there's still a lot more to come from him."

Roosters coach Trent Robinson has named exciting young prop Kane Evans on an extended bench and he's expected to make his NRL debut in place of Aidan Guerra, who played NSW Cup for feeder club Newtown on Saturday.